"Horrendous" Spurs flop who has lost possession 254x has been a Paratici disasterclass - opinion

Fabio Paratici has only been in his sporting director role at Tottenham Hotspur for approaching on nine months but some of his early decision-making in the transfer market has been questionable, to say the least.

The Italian supremo arrived in north London with plenty of promise, having held a similar role for 11 years at Serie A giants and perennial winners Juventus, where he was responsible for many encouraging signings – notably ranging from the likes of Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo on free transfers to the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

He got straight into business at Hotspur Way, bringing in Cristian Romero and Pierluigi Gollini on loan from fellow Italian outfit Atalanta, signing Emerson Royal from Barcelona, snatching promising gems up in Bryan Gil and Pape Matar Sarr, and sealing a deadline day swoop for Bianconeri duo Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski in January.

What is most damning is the fact that one of those names has already departed the club on loan after being found out in the Premier League as not being up to scratch – yet.

Whilst another player has been one of the more disappointing signings of recent times, that being Emerson, who cost a whopping £26m – a figure that reportedly raised eyebrows from the Nou Camp.

During the winter transfer window, manager Antonio Conte appeared desperate to sign a new right wing-back despite the Brazilian’s arrival in the summer, which only goes to show just how poor he’s been.

The Times reported that the Italian head coach was unconvinced by Emerson’s potential and ability to play an attacking wide role, whilst also doing his defensive duties.

Adama Traore was targeted but he returned to his boyhood club, Barca, instead. His former Wolverhampton